Shopkeepers’ unease about ‘major’ road works

Shopkeepers are worried how resurfacing works that are due to start on a Clitheroe main road this weekend will affect their businesses.

Some of the businesses along York Street are concerned that works to improve the safety around Chatburn Road roundabout could have a negative affect on trade in the run up to Christmas.

The Lancashire County Council signage on York Street.

The “major carraigeway and footway resurfacing works” are due to start on Sunday, and subject to weather conditions, should be completed by December 16th.

York Street will be closed to traffic from 8 am to 5 pm from Sunday October 30th to Sunday November 6th and may be closed when required until the works are completed. The road will once again definitely be closed on Sunday December 11th for the relaying of a new road surface.

The one-way system on York Street will be revoked while the work is carried out and the Chatburn Road end of York Street will be closed.

Albert Lucas, who is the joint owner of Affordable Mobility, said it is of paramount importance to his customers, many of whom are disabled, that the shop is easily accessible.

He is worried that the disruption caused by the works could put customers off shopping at his business.

Graeme Drummond, who owns the picture framing business Richmond Framing on York Street, said the timing of the work could not have been worse with it being in the run up to Christmas. Mr Drummond added that he is also annoyed that there has not been more consultation.

In response, a spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “We’re carrying out a scheme to improve safety in the centre of Clitheroe, focused on reducing the speed of traffic approaching the roundabout at the junction of York Street, Well Terrace, Chatburn Road and Waterloo Road. The scheme aims to tackle a record of injury collisions at the roundabout, particularly to cyclists. The scheme will involve establishing new kerb lines on approaches to the roundabout, reducing the width of the carriageway for vehicles, and widening pavements.

“York Street will at times be closed to through-traffic, though access will be available at all times for residents to access their homes and people to visit businesses. The one-way order on York Street is being revoked for the duration of the road closure to allow traffic to travel in both directions to enter and exit York Street at the junction with Castle Street.”